The website claims that RRW is threatening to withdraw its representatives as part of its bid to force the WRU to agree to its demands over a new Participation Agreement which covers, among other things, the release of players for international duty.

Some players have contracts with the WRU to play on the sevens circuit, but they also have deals with their regions.

Another casualty of the stalemate could be the November 29 Test against South Africa, which falls outside the IRB window where players have to be released for international duty.